Jerry A. De La Cruz Abilene, TX Jerry A. De La Cruz, 59, of Abilene, passed away, Saturday, February 22, 2014. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview, with father Terry Brenon officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Abilene Funeral Home. Mr. De La Cruz was born June 18, 1954, in Stamford to Paul and Maria Acosta De La Cruz. He moved to Abilene in 1965 from Stamford, and graduated from Abilene High School in 1972. His first job was with his father in law at the old Town & Country Drive-In with his wife until their closing. He then went to work for Reeder's Auto Supply, and later became a paint and body man for the Chevy house and White Chrysler for many years until he ended his work career at Hendrick Medical Center. He was married to his late wife Denora for 34 years and enjoyed being Pepaw to his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Survivors include a son, Gabriel De La Cruz and wife Mandy; a daughter, Brandy De La Cruz and husband Ruben Medrano; his father, Paul De La Cruz and wife Virginia; two brothers, James De La Cruz and wife DeAnna and Donald De La Cruz; brothers in law, Andy Hale and wife Sheri of Abilene, Jimmy Hale and Frank Taccetta both of Kerrville; four grandchildren, Ben, Micaela, Jayson and Karlee, all family of Abilene; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. De La Cruz was preceded in death by his wife, Denora Mae Hale De La Cruz; mother, Maria Nieves De La Cruz; a brother, Darrell De La Cruz; father and mother in law, Georgie and Dorothy Pauline Medley Hale; brother in law, Georgie Ray Hale; and sister in law, Debbie Taccetta. Wake service will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Abilene Funeral Home, 3349 North 12th Street. 2/26/2014 06:30 PM Wake Abilene Funeral Home Chapel of Hope 3349 12th St. Abilene TX 79603 2/27/2014 10:00 AM Funeral Mass St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church 2525 Westview Abilene TX 79603